Bombay High Court on 5 January 2016 directed Maharashtra government to procure 1843 decibel meters within three months for the police. The direction was given to ensure that there is no violation of noise pollution rules during festivals, public addresses, and processions.

A division bench of Justice AS Oak and Justice CV Bhadang gave the direction while hearing a bunch of public interest litigations seeking implementation of noise pollution rules and regulations. In 46 urban areas of Maharash

The court observed that the authorities have failed completely to ensure implementation of the noise pollution rules. It ordered that the government shall within three months take steps to procure the required decibel meters.

The government shall also make proper arrangements for maintenance of checks periodically to ensure that the meters are in working condition.

The court further said that prior to every religious festival and also New Year’s Eve, the government should give wide publicity to noise pollution rules and ensure that it is implemented. The court also asked the government to take a decision on introducing a mobile app on which people can lodge complaints within two months.

Decibel meters

Decibel meter is an instrument that can measure sound level, commonly used in noise pollution studies for the quantification of different kinds of noise, especially for industrial, environmental and aircraft noise.